cjb115

Hey all! Okay, so I've been away from a while...but here's the latest...

I e-mailed the embassy after he was "blue slipped," (although he never got a blue slip) and they FINALLY (weeks later) told me I needed to wait until December 1st to e-mail them back to request a second interview.

December 1st I re-submitted our request and he was scheduled a February 11th interview. He needs to get a new medical exam before then (to prove that he still doesn't have any weed in his system).

I'm bummed he won't be here for the holidays, but I'm heading down Christmas and staying through New Years...and CAN'T wait!

Thanks for all of your support!

Waiting...and waiting....and waiting,

cjb115

So I've been doing some more research...and found this on the USCIS website. I posted the site's link below and also cut out the portions I think apply to my case.

The first paragraph explains that he'd be sent for a new medical...and the second paragraph states that he should be re-evaluated 12 months into remission (which would be December).

http://travel.state.gov/pdf/Revised%20Tech%20Instructions%20Phys%20Mental%20Substance%20Disorders%20-%20June2010.pdf

For cases previously refused under 212(a)(1)(A)(iii)and 212(a)(1)(A)(iv)due to a Class A medical finding:

(1) If the last refusal on the case was less than one year ago, send the the applicant to the panel physician for a new medical examination to determine whether the Class A finding for physical and mental disorders with associated harmful behaviors and/or substance‐related disorders still applies. A new medical is required, regardless of whether the previous exam has expired. If the applicant is found Class B, overcome/waive the 212(a)(1)(a)(iii) or (iv) refusal and send a CLOK request. If the applicant is otherwise eligible, then you may issue the visa.

(4) The current version of the DSM defines sustained, full remission as a period of at least 12 months during which no substance use or associated harmful behavior have occurred. The panel physician has discretion to use their clinical judgment to determine if 12 months is an acceptable period of time for an individual applicant to demonstrate sustained, full remission.

WHOOOOOOA! Didn't need to stir up so much drama...was just asking a simple question. I'm sorry that my husband's weed smoking past is so upsetting to some people. Fortunately for both him and I, I love him just the same. As Sus said, former presidents have admitted to smoking the drug...and I would say 80% of the people I know HERE in the US (from engineers to teachers to nurses) have tried it at least once...banning someone from the US for trying it, or even using it in their past, in my opinion, shouldn't happen. I agree with banning people who are current users...but come on....

I hate to be negative - but I am wondering if there is a typo in the letter - There were two yardies here, yankee being one, who got the ban - they had to wait it out and refile. I think I would email the embassy and ask for clarification - did they give him a specific date and appointment to return? You might want to email the embassy and ask for an appt, if not - attach a copy of the letter and see what they reply

I thought the exact same thing, but my husband said that the CO told him to get a new medical done 10 days before December 1st so that he could get the results and return to the Embassy after that. I e-mailed the Embassy Friday afternoon....expecting to hear back from them early this week. Thanks for your help!

THANK YOU ALL for your support! Times like this can be challenging! I cried for a while yesterday morning, but then I talked to my mother-in-law and she said, "It's only one more month! Think how fast the past 2 months went by as you waited for the first interview! You two love each other and will be together soon!" I had to agree and felt much better after our conversation! I sent an e-mail to the embassy yesterday, as well...and will let you all know as soon as they reply.

wow now i am confused.....me and my fiance....well husband now.....went thru the same EXACT thing your SO experienced today only we got a 2 year ban and not a 1 year ban.....i am happy you only got 1 year but at the same time i am now furious we got a 2 year ban(which i might add was up as of YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yankeesgirl---

Your story is like many others that I have read online, which is a major reason I was (and still am) confused. He didn't even get a year-long ban...he just was told to re-do his medical and come back in December of THIS year! I'm not complaning...but it just doesn't make sense when having read everything else. I'm happy your ban is up...and it looks lke you've gotten to spend some time together and have two beautiful babies! Congrats!!

Oh...and one more question...

The "re-apply"...does that mean we will have to start this whole process over and start at the beginning...or just the interview stage?

4. Section 212(a) (1) a4. is ineligible to re-apply until Dec. 1, 2010.

Well, unfortunately I can't join the rest of you in the exciting APPROVED celebration! My husband needs to go back to the Embassy after December 1st. I'm totally bummed...but am hanging in there. I will post more info later, as I get a better understanding of what happened. Thanks for all of your well wishes...I know that the next time will be smooth sailing...what's one more month when this process takes FOREVERRRRR?!

Hey all!

My husband had his interview this morning in Kingston.

I'll give you the quick run-down as to what he said happened...and am hoping someone out there can fill in the blanks for me.

He was sworn in, asked a series of questions, paid the fee increase, talked to about the army (selective service), and did a whole lot of waiting. At one point he was called up to a window and was asked the last time he smoked marijuana. During his medical exam, he admitted to last smoking 12/09 (which is the truth). He admitted this again to the CO at the Embassy.

The guy handed him a paper which is posted below. The only line that was checked was #4, which I highlighted. When researching, it says, "(iv) who is determined (in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services) to be a drug abuser or addict, is inadmissible." This was the ONLY sheet of paper he received.

The CO handed him the paper and his passport and told him that he needed to schedule another appointment for after December 1st and that he'd need to get a new medical before then.

Here are my questions:

1.) What's all this about "blue slips" I have read about when people aren't approved? Should he have received another sheet of blue paper...or is the information below usually on blue paper (it was on white)? If this is not the usual blue slip, what does it usually say?

2.) I also read that when people are denied because of admitting to previous drug use, it usually occurs along with a 3-year ban. Why does he only have to wait a month (not that I'm complaining!)

3.) Do you think that it is possible that he did not have any drugs in his system, but since he admitted to having used in the past, they want to re-test him to make sure he doesn't have any in his system any more? This is my only possible answer. I'm SOOOO confused!

Any advice/ideas would be VERY helpful! Thanks!

Dear Visa Applicant:

This office regrets to inform you that it is unable to issue a visa to you because you have been found ineligible

to receive a visa under the following section(s) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The information

contained in the paragraphs marked with a "X" pertain to your visa application. Please disregard the unmarked

paragraphs.

1. Section 221(g) which prohibits the issuance of a visa to anyone whose application does not comply with

the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act or regulations issued pursuant thereto. The following

remarks apply in your case:*

2. Section 212(a) (1) health-related grounds.

3. Section 212(a) (4) which prohibits the issuance of a visa to anyone likely to become a public charge.

4. Section 212(a) (1) a4. is ineligible to re-apply until Dec. 1, 2010.

5. Other:

6. Further consideration will be given to your visa application after you obtain and present the documents

listed above and/or the following:*

7. You are eligible to apply for a waiver of the ground(s) of ineligibility.

*WARNING: IF YOU FAIL TO TAKE THE ACTION REQUESTED WITHIN ONE YEAR FOLLOWING VISA

DENIAL UNDER SECTION 221(G) OF THE IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT, SECTION 223(G)

OF THE ACT REQUIRES THAT YOUR APPLICATION BE CANCELLED.

Sincerely Yours, American Consular Officer

Hi everyone just wanted to let you know I got approved in Kingston for my CR-1. It feels so good!! I did a very detailed review. Thank you for your insights and I hope everyone will be succesful with their interview. We started filing on February 10, 2010 and finally we are done. Please continue reading VJ because it helps in so many ways. Thank God for this site and these helpful VJers. I truly wish everyone all the best from the bottom of my heart.

See my review:

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Jamaica&page=1&dfilter=5

Congrats!!! Thank you SOOOO much for posting the details about your interview! My husband has his Friday morning in Kingston and I will call and give him the details so he feels more confident, as well. We've been married for 9 months and are SOOO happy, but he's VERY shy and is nervous about the interview. Since Kingston no longer allows the petitioner to attend, he's on his own!!!

Hellooo!!! I am super happy to say we were APPROVED!!

YAHOOOOO! Congrats! I'm glad my birthday wish worked out for you! Now, don't forget me on Friday!!!!

You're awesome! I already have my white sox jersey! My husband and his family are all white sox fans!!

AHHH! So glad your husband and his family are Sox fans! If you said they were Cubs fans, we may have had a problem! Are you going to live in Chicago once you arrive in the US? I'm nervous about my husband and the Texas winters, so I can only imagine what your husband is thinking about you and those Chicago winters!!!

You watched the game? That's awesome! My husband is from Chicago

I'm glad you had a great time!

I moved to Houston a few years ago, but grew up in the Chicago area. I still root for all of the Chicago teams (White Sox...NOT the Cubs)!

Can you believe that October is here!! Time really has flown by!

Hope all is well with you!!

Hey!!

Awwww well happy belated birthday!!! How was it? Did you have fun??

Thank you very much! I won't forget about you and our deal!!

Yes, it is almost here, time has been flying.

My birthday was GREAT! Although I wish my husband had been here to celebrate with me, I got to spend it with a lot of my friends. We went to a sports bar and watched the Chicago Bears beat the Packers! I probably had a drink more than I should have...but I had a great time. Waking up for work this morning was just a little rough!

24 more days, huh? I can't believe I made it to the 1/2 way mark (my birthday)...and this Friday starts our month!

Sounds like a great deal!!! Sure thing :thumbs:

Time is going to fly, you'll see!

Hey Nica! Remember our little deal about our birthday wishes? When I blew out the candles yesterday, I thought of you! October is almost here! Good luck!

Is there any advice for me as to how long it will take to get an interview scheduled? I need to hear some news. Please help.

Thanks.

P.S. I messed up in telling you all that I am a CR-1 when I had no idea what I was saying. Please stop laughing. I still appreciate all you guys advices.

Thanks. Any more information? Thanks.

I don't know anything about CR-2...BUT....

My husband's CR-1 interview was just scheduled for Kingston. The case was closed on August 25th and we received an e-mail with the interview date on August 29th. Apparently the NVC isn't waiting until the 2nd week of each month to schedule interviews. His interview date is October 29th.

Don't know if that info helps at all....

Will do!

And Oct 29 is my birthday!!!! Hahahaha. October is pretty important for us, on the 11th is our 1st anniversary since we got married, the 22nd is the interview, and the 29th my bday

Thanks Nica! October is an important month for you! I've got a deal for you...

my birthday is the 27th of September, so when I blow out the candles on my cake, I'll wish for your interview on the 22nd of October to go well....and then on the 29th, you can return the favor and wish for my interview to go well!! What do you think?

It's still early but so far this is the October crew:

Cedric - Evalyn

Brussels October 7 at 2:00pm

jaynymami

DR October 8 at 6:15am/pm

Nica_In_Love

Managua October 22 at 8:00am

justmarried10

Dominica October 27 at 7:30am

Layonda

DR October 28 at ??

AHHHHHH! Add me to the list!! October 29th at 7 am in Kingston, Jamaica! Yahoooooooo! Here we goooooooo!

We got a mail this morning, interview in Brussels October 7 at 2pm

How exciting! Congrats!

Congrats to cjb115! Did you call NVC to double check?

It seems like a few people have received their SIF's in 3-4 weeks time. Much better than 6-8. :dance: I hope this will be true for the others waiting here

Thanks! I tried calling NVC a few times today and it was busy...I'll try again when I wake up in the morning and let you know! I, too, hope the speedy processing continues for everyone still waiting!

I am reporting our SIF to all VJ'ers. See my signature to estimate your SIF's. I wish good luck to you all.

Wanted to do the same. SIF tonight! Documents were received (according to AVR) on August 2nd. Good luck to all of you that are still waiting!!!

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Just tried logging on...and Sign in Failed! I even typed it in twice to make sure I didn't make a mistake!

My paperwork was documented as being received on the AVR on August 2nd...so the proccess (thankfully) didn't take 6-8 weeks! Can't wait to find out when the interview will be!

My Fiance was in the same situation. The clinic or schools had no records of the immunizations. He started getting them at the clinic prior to his medical appointment. He had to get 2 shots when he went to his medical (although he did not complete all of the shots prior to his appointment). He was not required to get all of the shots once he had his medical, but did get the majority of them. When I speak to him tomorrow I will advise you of the exact shots he got at the clinic and the two he was required to get at the medical. He ended up paying 15,500.00 Jamaican dollars for the entire exam (including the fees for the 2 immunizations).

Thanks Fishlady! Yes,please let me know! I figured it'd be cheaper to go to a clinic.

I just wanted to make sure it isn't bad to get some of the vaccinations more than once! I guess he'll just be SUPER vaccinated against those things!!

I am 27 and i couldn't find my immunization card either, what i did was go to my doctor yesterday and he gave me the shots he thinks i will need, i got 3 of them and they cost me $3,300 dollars, and today i went to Mo-bay hope and did my medical i only paid the examiner fee, also its more expensive there cause a guy was there who got the same shots i got at my doctor and he had to pay $26,000 for his complete medical...

How much did your medical cost...just so I have a round-about idea?

Thanks for your help!!

Thanks Loto...you're good! Looks like it might be smarter to just sent him to the medical exam, as the panel physician can decide whether or not he needs it.

It's about time my husband goes for his medical, but he cannot find his immunization records. I've even called his mom asking her to look for them, but to no avail. I'm going to send him to a clinic to get them (perhaps again, in some cases), as I think it'll be much cheaper than getting them during the medical examination. The list of needed immunizations is followed by a statement, "Depending on your age, you may not need all of these vaccinations." He's 26...does anyone have any ideas which ones he needs/doesn't need?

The list is:

Mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, influenza type B, hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), pneumococcal, and influenza.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

I waited until the last minute to send my husband to get his police certificate a few weeks ago. The whole process took him an entire day (from 8 am until the late afternoon). Apparently since there are so many people needing new certificates since everything went on down there, it takes a full 14 days to have it expedited. I'd wait a little while...but not too long, as I ended up just sitting here waiting for him to send it to me!

P.S. Congrats on your pregnancy! The 27th of September is a GREAT day to be born on (it's my b-day)!

At least we have an outlet and people who understand us as opposed to other people who don't get it at all. I hope the end of this is sooner rather than later for all of us. Best of luck to everyone with their respective time lines.

So true! I am thankful to have found y'all, going through the day-to-day struggles of not seeing my significant other, just as you are. Although my friends try to be understanding, I don't think they get how truly difficult all of this is! I haven't seen my husband since March...and probably won't see him again until September.

It's so frustrating to have all of my friends/family ask "When is he coming?, When will he be to the US?, etc." I always just reply "I'm not sure...paperwork takes forever!" I try to stay positive, but it's a daily struggle!!!